Foreign Object Detection: Integration in Food Production
Stones in lentils or beans may damage a tooth. Years ago, home cooks checked lentils for stones to protect their family from any harm. The number of occurrences of foreign materials in food is now becoming less frequent, and consumers are less used to checking primary foodstuffs for stones, sharp metal pieces or bones, as the food industry continuously improves the safety and quality of their products.
However, this trend also decreases public acceptance for such occurrences to a level that approaches “zero tolerance.” Any incidence of foreign material harms the consumer, undermines confidence in the brand and generates headlines. The name of the producer and the grocery chain that sold the article are widely reported.